Shaft for side-by-side conveyor

ABSTRACT

A motor shaft assembly includes a first shaft, a first motor, a second shaft and a second motor. The first shaft has a first end and a second end. The first motor is attached to the first end of the first shaft and is configured to rotate the first shaft about a longitudinal axis. The first shaft and the first motor have a longitudinal bore. The second shaft has a first end and a second end, wherein a portion of the second shaft is positioned in the longitudinal bore. The second motor is attached to the first end of the second shaft and is configured to rotate the second shaft about the longitudinal axis. A conveyor assembly includes a first shaft, sprocket, motor, and conveyor, and a second shaft, sprocket, motor and conveyor. An agricultural apparatus includes a tank, a boom, conveyors and motors.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/356,190 filed Jun. 29, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Field of Invention

In agricultural use, a conventional pneumatic spreader for particulate material such as granular fertilizer includes a tank configured to be pulled across a ground surface in a travel direction.

Description of Related Art

Such a spreader typically has a pair of booms that extend transversely outwardly from the tank, in a lateral direction relative to the travel direction. U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,627, which is hereby incorporated by reference, describes such a conventional spreader. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 of the '627 patent, particulate material in tank 10 is conveyed by a pair of belts 28 into guides 60, which feed material through the pipes 13 of booms 12. As shown in FIG. 1, spreader nozzles 18 and 19 allow application of the particulate material to a ground surface over which the spreader travels. A conveyer belt 29 on a right side (as viewed in FIG. 1) of tank 10 feeds into guide 60 to boom 12 on the right side of frame 11. Similarly, a conveyor belt 29 on the left side of tank 10 feeds through guide 60 to a boom on the left side of the frame 11 (not shown).

U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,933, which is hereby incorporated by reference, describes a pneumatic material spreader for distributing two types of particulate materials simultaneously. As shown in FIG. 1 of the '933 patent, tank 10 is divided into two sections by divider wall 19. (column 4, line 47). Belt 46 delivers material from compartment 24 while belt 60 delivers material from compartment 25. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the '933 patent, a first set of the belts 46 and 60 delivers the first and second materials from compartments 24 and 25, respectively, to right boom 71. Similarly, a second set of the belts 46, 60 delivers materials from compartments 24 and 25 respectively, to a left boom 70.

OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, this disclosure describes a motor shaft assembly comprising a first shaft, a first motor, a second shaft and a second motor. The first shaft has a first end and a second end. The first motor is attached to the first end of the first shaft and is configured to rotate the first shaft about a longitudinal axis. The first shaft and the first motor have a longitudinal bore therethrough. The second shaft has a first end and a second end, wherein a portion of the second shaft is positioned in the longitudinal bore. The second motor is attached to the first end of the second shaft and is configured to rotate the second shaft about the longitudinal axis.

In another aspect, this disclosure describes a conveyor assembly comprising a first shaft, a first sprocket, a first motor, a first conveyor, a second shaft, a second sprocket, a second motor and a second conveyor. The first shaft has a first end and a second end. The first sprocket is attached to the first shaft. The first motor is attached to the first end of the first shaft and is configured to rotate the first shaft about a longitudinal axis, the first shaft and the first motor having a longitudinal bore therethrough. The first conveyor is attached to the first sprocket. The second shaft has a first end and a second end, wherein a portion of the second shaft is positioned in the longitudinal bore. The second sprocket is attached to the second shaft. The second motor is attached to the first end of the second shaft and is configured to rotate the second shaft about the longitudinal axis. The second conveyor is attached to the second sprocket.

In yet another aspect, this disclosure describes an agricultural apparatus comprising a tank, a boom, conveyors and motors. The tank is configured to contain a supply of particulate material. The boom extends outwardly from the tank and is configured to distribute the particulate material, the boom comprising a plurality of boom portions along a longitudinal extent thereof. A conveyor associated with each of the plurality of boom portions. A motor is associated with each conveyor, the motor being configured to independently control a distribution rate of the particulate material on its respective conveyor and through its respective boom portion.

This summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosed or claimed subject matter and is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed or claimed subject matter. Specifically, features disclosed herein with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to another. Further, this summary is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed subject matter will be further explained with reference to the attached figures, wherein like structure or system elements are referred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views. Moreover, analogous structures may be indexed in increments of one hundred. It is contemplated that all descriptions are applicable to like and analogous structures throughout the several embodiments. In many of the drawing figures, some components are removed for purposes of illustration. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed apparatus has features that are generally symmetrical mirror images (left to right) about line A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 is a rear isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a spreader apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1, with the boom removed, showing a distribution guide for a set of lower conveyors.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, taken along the indicated plane C, and showing distribution guides for the set of upper conveyors.

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2, of a portion of the exemplary spreader apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a motor shaft assembly for the lower conveyor assembly, as shown in FIG. 4, and additionally of a second mirror image motor shaft assembly of the lower conveyor assembly, not shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a pair of rollers for upper and lower conveyors belts.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a roller of FIG. 6, taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an exemplary take-up bearing assembly.

FIG. 8B is a partially exploded view of the take-up bearing assembly of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the take-up bearing assembly of FIGS. 8A and 8B installed on the spreader.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a second exemplary spreader apparatus having a single tank compartment and thus only a single level of a conveyor belt assembly.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary hydraulic schematic for operation of the motors in the exemplary embodiment of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-4.

While the above-identified figures set forth one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents the disclosed subject matter by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of this disclosure.

The figures may not be drawn to scale. In particular, some features may be enlarged relative to other features for clarity. Moreover, where terms such as above, below, over, under, top, bottom, side, right, left, etc., are used, it is to be understood that they are used only for ease of understanding the description. It is contemplated that structures may be oriented otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary embodiment of agricultural spreader 20 allows for differential particulate application rates of material from tank 30 through different portions of boom 22. As shown in FIG. 1, boom 22 extends outwardly from tank 30 and is configured to distribute the particulate material. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, tank 30 includes two compartments 32 and 34 for holding supplies of different particulate materials in a typical application. In another use, the compartments 32 and 34 could hold the same type of particulate material. Lower conveyor assembly 36 delivers material from compartment 32 to boom 22, while upper conveyor assembly 38 delivers particulate material from compartment 34 to boom 22. While the drawing figures show the conveyor assemblies 36, 38 only on a left side of apparatus 20, it is to be understood that similar, mirror-image conveyor assemblies are also provided on a right side of spreader 20. As shown in FIG. 2, in an exemplary embodiment, lower conveyor assembly 36 is divided into respective outward and inward portions 36 a, 36 b and 36 d, 36 c. Such outward and inward portions are separated by wall 40; one wall 40 is positioned between outward portion 36 a and inward portion 36 b; another wall 40 is positioned between outward portion 36 d and inward portion 36 c. Similarly, upper conveyor assembly 38 is divided into respective outward and inward portions 38 a, 38 b and 38 d, 38 c. Such outward and inward portions are separated by wall 40; one wall 40 is positioned between outward portion 38 a and inward portion 38 b; another wall 40 is positioned between outward portion 38 d and inward portion 38 c.

Boom 22 includes boom portions 24 a-24 d along a longitudinal extent thereof. Left boom arm 22 a includes boom portions 24 a and 24 b; right boom arm 22 b includes boom portions 24 c and 24 d. Referring to FIGS. 1-3 (as partially illustrated), for distribution of particulate material from compartment 32 of tank 30, lower conveyor belt 56 a on lower conveyor side 36 a is associated with boom portion 24 a; lower conveyor belt 56 b on lower conveyor side 36 b is associated with boom portion 24 b; lower conveyor belt 56 c on lower conveyor side 36 c is associated with boom portion 24 c; and lower conveyor belt 56 d on lower conveyor side 36 d is associated with boom portion 24 d. For distribution of particulate material from compartment 34 of tank 30, upper conveyor belt 58 a on upper conveyor side 38 a is associated with boom portion 24 a; upper conveyor belt 58 b on upper conveyor side 38 b is associated with boom portion 24 b; upper conveyor belt 58 c on upper conveyor side 38 c is associated with boom portion 24 c; and upper conveyor belt 58 d on upper conveyor side 38 d is associated with boom portion 24 d.

In an exemplary embodiment, the particulate application rates can be different for each of the materials from compartments 32 and 34 between different sections 24 a through 24 d, for example, along the longitudinal extent of boom 22. A separate motor 66 a-66 d and 68 a-68 d is associated with each of the lower and upper conveyor belts 56 a-56 d and 58 a-58 d, each motor 66 a-66 d and 68 a-68 d being configured to independently control a distribution rate of the particulate material on its respective conveyor belts 56 a-56 d and 58 a-58 d and through its respective boom portion 24 a-24 d.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, if spreader 20 travels across a ground surface so that it turns in leftward turn direction 28, the leftmost boom portion 24 a will travel at the slowest speed relative to the other boom portions, and the rightmost boom portion 24 d will travel at the highest rate of speed while traversing the turn 28. Accordingly, in order to uniformly spread particulate material on a ground surface below the entire boom structure 22, particulate material should be deposited to the ground surface at a faster application rate in boom portion 24 d as compared to that in boom portion 24 a. Moreover, particulate application rates through boom portions 24 b and 24 c should be prorated between the speed extremes at boom portions 24 a and 24 d to ensure a uniform application of particulate material to the ground surface across the entire width of spreader 20.

Material moved on a conveyor side 36 a falls by gravity into lower guide 42 a. Similarly, material moved by lower conveyor side 36 b falls by gravity into lower guide 42 b. Each of lower guides 42 a, 42 b includes a plurality of compartments 44, each of the compartments 44 fluidly connected to one of outlets 46. Each of the outlets 46 is in turn connected to a boom pipe 48, which has a spreader nozzle 50 at its terminus.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, material moved by upper conveyor side 38 a is fed by gravity to upper guide 52 a (not shown, as it is positioned to the left of the cross-sectional plane C); material fed by upper conveyor side 38 b falls by gravity into upper guide 52 b. Material conveyed by upper conveyor side 38 c falls by gravity into upper guide 52 c, and material conveyed by upper conveyor side 38 d falls by gravity into upper guide 52 d. As with lower guide 42, each of the compartments 54 of upper guide 52 are in fluid communication with an outlet 46, which in turn allows particulate material to travel through boom pipes 48 to spreader novels 50. While such boom pipes 48 and spreader nozzles 50 are not shown on the right boom arm 22 b of FIG. 1, it is to be understood that they are provided similarly as shown on the left boom arm 22 a.

In an exemplary embodiment, material flow on each of the lower and upper conveyor sides 36 a, 36 b, 36 c, 36 d, 38 a, 38 b, 38 c and 38 d is independently controlled by a separate motor. In an exemplary embodiment, material moved by conveyor sides 36 a and 38 a through lower guide 42 a and upper guide 52 a are applied to the ground surface beneath spreader 20 by nozzles 50 on boom portion 24 a. Similarly, material moved on lower conveyor side 36 b and upper conveyor side 38 b through lower guide 42 b and upper guide 52 b, respectively, are applied to the ground surface through nozzles 50 on boom portion 24 b. In a like manner, material moved on lower conveyor side 36 c and upper conveyor side 38 c through lower guide 42 c and upper guide 52 c, respectively, are applied to a ground surface through nozzles 50 on boom portion 24 c. Moreover, material moved on lower conveyor side 36 d and upper conveyor side 38 d through lower guide 42 d and upper guide 52 d, respectively, are applied to the ground surface through nozzles 50 positioned on boom portion 24 d. Because a rate of particulate material flow through each of the upper and lower conveyor sides 36 a-d and 38 a-d is independently controlled by a corresponding number of individual conveyor belt motors, a rate of delivery of material through each of the boom portions 24 a, 24 b, 24 c and 24 d can be independently controlled for each of the particulate materials in compartments 32 and 34 of tank 30.

Thus, in an exemplary use where spreader 20 navigates a left-hand turn 28, the flow of material through boom portion 24 a can be controlled to be applied at a slowest relative rate, the flow of material through boom portion 24 b controlled to be applied at a higher speed than through boom portion 24 a, a rate of particulate application through boom portion 24 c can be controlled to be administered at a still higher rate of speed than through boom portion 24 b; and a relative application rate of materials through boom portion 24 d can be controlled to be at the highest speed relative to the other boom portions 24 a-24 c.

While a particular situation is described herein, it is to be understood that the differential particulate application rates of the two materials from compartments 32 and 34 through boom portions 24 a-24 d can be varied to take into account other movements of apparatus 20 over a ground surface. Such differential speed control of the motors 66 a-66 d and 68 a-68 d (further described below) of lower conveyor assembly 36 and upper conveyor assembly 38, respectively, can be automated through the use of computer controllers and global positioning system (GPS) devices. The differential application speed control through different portions 24 a-24 d of booms 22 can also receive inputs from steering apparatuses and/or other input devices that sense or react to the direction and rate of travel of spreader 20 over a ground surface. Moreover, computer and GPS devices can be programmed to take into account the location of previous application passes so that certain motors can be turned off or their speed of application decreased, to stop or slow application through a particular one or selected boom portions 24 a-d, thus preventing over-application when spreader 20 travels over a particular parcel of the ground surface more than once. Additionally, spreader 20 may also be programmed or otherwise configured for map based particulate application; for example, each boom section can apply particulate material to the ground surface at a different rate based on a prescription map of the field.

While a particular configuration of spreader 20 is illustrated and described, having four boom sections 24 a-d and four corresponding sections of each of lower conveyor assembly 36 and upper conveyor assembly 38, it is to be understood that the disclosed concepts can be readily expanded to provide for differential application rates through more or fewer boom sections or portions. Moreover, while a particular correlation of conveyor sections to boom portions is described, it is understood that the guides 42, 52, pipes 48, nozzles 50 and boom portions can be set up differently to provide for other correlations between the conveyor sections and the locations of material application to a ground surface under spreader 20.

While not illustrated, it is to be understood that apparatus 20 is typically provided with ground engaging elements such as wheels or a track that allow spreader 20 to travel across a ground surface in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal orientation of boom 22. In one typical use, spreader 20 is pulled behind another agricultural implement, such as a tractor. In other configurations, spreader 20 is self-propelled on its own chassis.

As shown in FIG. 3, in an exemplary embodiment, each of lower and upper conveyor assemblies 36, 38 includes endless conveyor belt 56, 58 that is configured to move (in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 3) around sprocket 57, roller 60, drive sprocket 62 and tension rod 64. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, in an exemplary embodiment, of spreader 20, lower motor 66 a controls the speed of particulate material moved on lower conveyor side 36 a; lower motor 66 b controls the speed of material conveyed on lower conveyor 36 b; upper motor 68 a controls the speed of material moving an upper conveyor side 36 a; and upper motor 68 b controls the speed of material moving on upper conveyor side 38 b. As shown in FIG. 2, a portion of an outward conveyor 56 a, 58 a is aligned side-by-side with a portion of a corresponding inward conveyor 56 b, 58 b in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 88. While not specifically illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, it is to be understood that mirror image motor shaft assemblies 70 are also provided for the right side conveyor portions 36 c, 36 d, 38 c and 38 d.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of two longitudinally aligned motor shaft assemblies 70, as would be used for either the lower conveyor assembly 36 or the upper conveyor assembly 38. While the components in FIG. 5 are numbered for the lower conveyor assembly 36, it is be understood that the motor shaft assemblies 70 can also be used in upper conveyor assembly 38. FIGS. 2 and 4 show two motor shaft assemblies 70, one each on the left side of lower conveyor assembly 36 and on the left side of upper conveyor assembly 38. It is to be understood that motor shaft assemblies 70 for the right side of lower conveyor assembly 36 and of upper conveyor assembly 38 are installed as mirror image structures, compared those illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4.

As shown in FIG. 5, in an exemplary embodiment, first motor shaft 74 a has a first end 128 a and a second end 130 a. First motor 66 a is attached to first end 128 a of first motor shaft 74 a. First motor 66 a is configured to rotate first motor shaft 74 a about longitudinal axis 88. First motor shaft 74 a and first motor 66 a have longitudinal bore 76 therethrough. Second motor shaft 74 b has a first end 128 b and a second end 130 b. A portion of second motor shaft 74 b is positioned in longitudinal bore 76. Second motor 66 b is attached to first end 128 b of second motor shaft 74 b. Second motor 66 b is configured to rotate second motor shaft 74 b about longitudinal axis 88. On a right side of FIG. 5, third motor shaft 74 d has a first end 128 d and a second end 130 d. Third motor 66 d is attached to first end 128 d of third motor shaft 74 d. Third motor 66 d is configured to rotate third motor shaft 74 d about longitudinal axis 88. Third motor shaft 74 d and third motor 66 d have longitudinal bore 76 therethrough. Fourth motor shaft 74 c has a first end 128 c and a second end 130 c. A portion of fourth motor shaft 74 c is positioned in longitudinal bore 76. Fourth motor 66 c is attached to first end 128 c of fourth motor shaft 74 c. Fourth motor 66 c is configured to rotate fourth motor shaft 74 c about longitudinal axis 88.

Motor 66 a is attached to housing side wall 72 of spreader 20 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 4). Motor shaft 74 a of motor 66 a carries drive sprockets 62 a, which couple with endless drive conveyor belt 56 a in a known manner. Motor shaft 74 b of motor 66 b extends through bore 76 in motor 66 a and motor shaft 74 a. Second end 130 b of motor shaft 74 b is attached to bearing 78, positioned on bracket 80 connected to housing wall 132, shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Motor 66 d is attached to housing side wall 72 of spreader 20. Motor shaft 74 d of motor 66 d carries drive sprockets 62 d, which couple with endless drive conveyor belt 56 d in a known manner. Motor shaft 74 c of motor 66 c extends through bore 76 in motor 66 d and motor shaft 74 d. Second end 130 c of motor shaft 74 c is attached to bearing 78, positioned on bracket 80 connected to housing wall 132, shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. The use of only a single bearing 78 for each motor shaft assembly 70, reduces lubrication requirements and wear points.

In an exemplary embodiment, enough clearance is provided around second motor shaft 74 b through bore 76 that no physical contact is made between second motor shaft 74 b and first motor 66 a or first motor shaft 74 a. Such an arrangement eliminates a need for bearings between motor shaft 74 b and motor 66 a or its motor shaft 74 a. In effect, motor shaft 74 a is cantilevered from motor 66 a and is not supported on motor shaft 74 b. Motor shaft 74 b is turned by motor 66 b and carries drive sprockets 62 b, on which endless belt 56 b moves. Moreover, enough clearance is provided around third motor shaft 74 c through bore 76 that no physical contact is made between third motor shaft 74 c and fourth motor 66 d or fourth motor shaft 74 d. Such an arrangement eliminates a need for bearings between motor shaft 74 c and motor 66 d or its motor shaft 74 d. In effect, motor shaft 74 d is cantilevered from motor 66 d and is not supported on motor shaft 74 c. Motor shaft 74 c is turned by motor 66 c and carries drive sprockets 62 c, on which endless belt 56 c moves. An exemplary suitable motor is available commercially from Poclain Hydraulics under compact motor model MK04. However, it is contemplated that other motors for rotationally driving a shaft are also suitable, including motors driven electrically, pneumatically, and by other methods.

As shown in FIG. 2, outward and inward conveyor belts 56 a and 56 b are separate, and outward and inward conveyor belts 58 a and 58 b are separate, and are thereby able to carry particulate material at different rates of speed. While not shown but described in this written description, inward and outward conveyor belts 56 c and 56 d are also separate, and inward and outward conveyor belts 58 c and 58 d are separate, and are thereby able to carry particulate material at different rates of speed. In an exemplary embodiment, portions of conveyor belts 56 a, 56 b, 56 c, 56 d are aligned side-by-side in a lower plane parallel to longitudinal axis 88 of lower conveyor assembly 36; and portions of conveyor belts 58 a, 58 b, 58 c, 58 d are aligned side-by-side in an upper plane parallel to longitudinal axis 88 of upper conveyor assembly 38.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary hydraulic circuit 82 for the operation of motors 66 a-66 d for control of the speed of material application through lower conveyor sides 36 a-36 d, respectively. Hydraulic circuit 82 also shows the use of motors 68 a-68 d for control of material application motion rates through upper conveyor sides 38 a-38 d, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic system used in spreader 20 and depicted in diagram 82 is a hybrid of series and parallel connections for hydraulic fluid from pump 84. Referring to FIG. 3, in an example, if particulate material is to be conveyed only from compartment 32 of tank 30 and not compartment 34, then upper motors 38 a-38 d will be turned off and only lower motors 66 a-66 d will receive hydraulic fluid from pump 84. Moreover, in an example where, with reference to FIG. 1, boom portion 24 a is to pass over an area of the ground that has already received an application of particulate matter, motor 66 a can be turned off so that fluid from pump 84 bypasses motor 66 a, thereby operating motors 66 b-66 d to allow for application of particulate material from conveyor sides 36 b, 36 c and 36 d through nozzles 50 of boom portions 24 b, 24 c and 24 d. In an exemplary circuit 82 depicted in FIG. 11, a relief valve 86 is provided for excess hydraulic fluid that is not used by the connected motors 66, 68. In an exemplary embodiment, flow can be modulated through each of the motors 66, 68 to provide for an infinitely variable speed of rotation of connected motor shafts 74 between off and maximum speed extremes. Thus, precise control of the rate of application of particulate material from each compartment 32, 34 can be controlled independently at each of boom portions 24 a-24 d.

As shown in FIG. 5, motor shaft 74 a and motor shaft 74 b are co-axial, in that they rotate about a common longitudinal axis 88. Moreover, motor shaft 74 c and motor shaft 74 d are co-axial. However, the shafts are independently controlled by their respective motors 66 a-66 d and thereby independently drive their respectively connected conveyor belt sides 56 a-56 d. This configuration allows for independent driving of the adjacent conveyor belt sides 56 a, 56 b and 56 c, 56 d in a small amount of space, and with few required bearings. Independent speed control of the motor shafts 74 a-74 d and their corresponding conveyor sides 56 a-56 d permit variable rate application of the particulate material conveyed thereon, as well as sectional control of the variable rate application, with application rates for the separate materials of compartments 32 and 34 at each boom portion 24 a-24 d being independently controllable.

The series and bypass valve arrangements of circuit 82 (FIG. 11) reduce flow requirements for pump 84 while still allowing for independent control of each motor 66 a-d and 68 a-d. At each valve corresponding to each of the individual motors, whatever hydraulic fluid flow is not directed through that motor will flow to the next motor. In this way, all of the hydraulic fluid flow is available to each motor in each series portion of the circuit, thereby allowing for independent control of each of the individual motors. The illustrated circuit 82 has two parallel branches; one for lower motors 66 a-d and another for upper motor 68 a-d. With this arrangement, each of the first motors 66 a, 68 a in the parallel branches encounters a reduced pressure load, as compared to a circuit in which all of the motors are arranged in series with each other.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, conveyor belts 56, 58 travel around rollers 60, allowing particulate material on a top surface of conveyor belt 56, 58 to fall into compartments 44, 54 of guides 42, 52. FIG. 6 shows front perspective views of the upper and lower rollers 60, removed from spreader 20. FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of one of the rollers 60 through section line 7-7 of FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, roller 60 includes shaft 104 having first end 134, second end 136, and longitudinal axis of rotation 102. Inward barrel 96 surrounds a first portion of shaft 104 and is fixed to shaft 104 to rotate therewith. Outward barrel 94 surrounds a second portion of shaft 104 and is configured to rotate about axis 102 independent of a rotation of shaft 104. Outward barrel 94 is spaced from inward barrel 96 along axis 102. Spacer 98, in block or annular form, is positioned to at least partially surround shaft 102 and is positioned between inward barrel 96 and outward barrel 94.

External bearings 90 are provided at each of mounting brackets 92. In an exemplary embodiment, each external bearing 90 is positioned within the respective mounting bracket 92 and accepts an end 134, 136 of shaft 104. Roller 60 includes outward barrel 94, around which outward conveyor belt 56 a, 56 d, 58 a or 58 d partially wraps and inward barrel 96, around which inward conveyor belt 56 b, 56 c, 58 b or 58 c partially wraps. Spacer 98 separates the outward barrel 94 and the inward barrel 96 and is formed in an exemplary embodiment of a durable polymer material. Annular bearings 100, such as formed from composite materials, are provided to allow outward barrel 94 and inward barrel 96 to rotate independently about a common longitudinal access 102 of shaft 104. An annular bearing 100 is positioned at least partially between the shaft 104 and the spacer 98. In an exemplary embodiment, spacer 98 also serves as a seal to keep fertilizer, debris, and other material away from bearing 100 b. Additional seals (e.g., o-rings or lip seals) can also be integrated into spacer 98 to improve its performance. Moreover, annular bearing 100 is positioned at least partially between the shaft 104 and the outward barrel 94.

Outward barrel 94 and inward 96 are configured to rotate independently from each other. Each of outward barrel 94 and inward 96 rotate at a speed determined by the rate of movement of its corresponding conveyor belt 56 a-d, 58 a-d, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, common shaft 104 rotates on external bearings 90. In an exemplary embodiment, inward barrel 96 is welded or otherwise fixedly attached directly to shaft 104, to rotate therewith on the main external bearings 90. In an exemplary embodiment, inward barrel 96 is substantially hollow to reduce a total weight of roller 60.

Outward barrel 94 is free to rotate on shaft 104 at a different speed than inward barrel 96 by means of annular bearings 100. In an exemplary embodiment, annular bearings 100 are press fit into machined recesses 106 on an internal surface of outward barrel 94. In an exemplary embodiment, spacer 98 is formed of a wear resistant polymer, possibly an ultrahigh molecular weight polymer, and is located between outward barrel 94 and inward barrel 96. Spacer 98 provides a seal and a wear resistant element between the barrels 94, 96. In the illustrated embodiment, outward annular bearing 100 a is positioned proximate end 134 and extends to mounting bracket 92. This prevents particulate material from entering that end of bearing 100 a and also constrains motion of bearing 100 a in a leftward direction as viewed in FIG. 7. Moreover, spacer 98 prevents rightward or inward motion of outward barrel 94 along shaft 104. In the illustrated structure, because bearings 100 a and 100 b will wear at essentially identical rates, no angular misalignment will result from a change in the thickness of the annular bearings 100 a,b due to wear. In an exemplary embodiment, annular bearings 100 are sealed, maintenance free composite bearings that do not require lubrication. In another embodiment, ball bearings or other bearings could be used instead of composite bearings; however, such ball bearings would require regular lubrication. While an exemplary configuration of roller 60 is illustrated and described, it is contemplated that roller 60 may be constructed differently than shown. For example, the outward barrel may be fixed to shaft 104 and the inward barrel may rotate independently of shaft 104.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 8A-9, take-up bearing assembly 108 is provided near a forward end of each conveyor belt 56, 58 and contains sprockets 57, around which conveyor belts 56, 58 travel. While FIG. 9 is labeled for lower conveyor assembly 36, it is to be understood that the descriptions also apply to upper conveyor assembly 38. Outward conveyor belt 56 a partially wraps and travels around sprockets 57 a, and inward conveyor belt 56 b partially wraps and travels around sprockets 57 b. Each of sprockets 57 is attached to bearing shaft 110 to rotate therewith. First bearing shaft 110 a has first end 138 a, second end 140 a, and first longitudinal axis of rotation 142 a. Sprockets 57 a are attached to first bearing shaft 110 a proximate first end 138 a of first bearing shaft 110 a. Sprockets 57 a rotate with first bearing shaft 110 a about first longitudinal axis of rotation 142 a. Second bearing shaft 110 b is spaced from first bearing shaft 110 a by a distance D along directions 112. Second bearing shaft 110 b has first end 138 b spaced from first end 138 a of first bearing shaft 110 a by distance D and a second end 140 b spaced from second end 140 a of first bearing shaft 110 a by distance D. Second longitudinal axis of rotation 142 b of second bearing shaft 110 b is substantially parallel to first longitudinal axis of rotation 142 a of first bearing shaft 110 a. Sprockets 57 b are attached to second bearing shaft 110 b proximate second end 140 b of second bearing shaft 110 b. Sprockets 57 b rotate with second shaft 110 b about second longitudinal axis of rotation 142 b.

As conveyor belts 56 a, 56 b change in length due to wear, shafts 110 a and 110 b of take-up bearing assembly 108 can be moved relative to other structures of spreader 20 in directions 112 to take up slack in the respective belt or belts 56 a, 56 b. Although shafts 110 a and 110 b can be moved independently, such movement also adjusts or changes distance D in most cases. However, it is to be understood that positional changes of both shafts 110 a and 110 b of the same amount and in the same direction may ultimately result in maintaining the same distance D between the shafts 110 a, 110 b.

Rods 116 pass through apertures 144 in plates 118. Adjustment in an exemplary embodiment is accomplished by threading nuts 114 along rods 116 against mounting plates 118. Providing two separate bearing shafts 110 a, 110 b allows for independent adjustment of the tension of the two conveyor belt sides 56 a, 56 b. In the illustrated embodiment, bearing shaft 110 a rotates on bearings 120 a mounted on rails 122 a in plates 124 a. Similarly, bearing shaft 110 b rotates on bearings 120 b carried on rails 122 b, which are in turn mounted on plates 124 b. Grooves 126 in top and bottom surfaces (grooves in bottom surfaces not shown) of bearing housings 122 allow the bearing housings 122 to move within rails 124 only in directions 112.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a portion of an inside of spreader 20, showing the locations on which conveyor belts 56 a, 56 b would be positioned; however, the conveyor belts themselves are not shown to allow a view of the components of take-up bearing assembly 108. In the illustrated embodiments, plates 124 of take-up assembly 108 are mounted on sidewalls 72 of spreader 20. When conveyor belts 56 a, 56 b are wrapped at least partially around their respective first and second sprockets 57 a, 57 b, a portion of the outward conveyor belt 56 a and a portion of the inward conveyor belt 56 b are aligned alongside each other in a plane substantially parallel to the axes of rotation 142 a, 142 b.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a second exemplary spreader 220 having a tank 230 with a single compartment therein, rather than the dual compartments 32, 34 of spreader 20. Accordingly, only a lower conveyor assembly 236 is used in each of the left and right sides of spreader 220. In other aspects, spreader 220 is similar to spreader 20, allowing independent control of application rates of the particulate material in tank 230 through four boom portions, and analogous parts are similarly labeled.

Although the subject of this disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, any feature disclosed with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in another embodiment, and vice-versa. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A conveyor assembly comprising: a first shaft having a first end and a second end; a first sprocket attached to the first shaft; a first motor attached to the first end of the first shaft and configured to rotate the first shaft about a longitudinal axis, the first shaft and the first motor having a longitudinal bore therethrough; a first conveyor attached to the first sprocket; a second shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein a portion of the second shaft is positioned in the longitudinal bore; a second sprocket attached to the second shaft; a second motor attached to the first end of the second shaft and configured to rotate the second shaft about the longitudinal axis; a second conveyor attached to the second sprocket: a third shaft having a first end and a second end; a third sprocket attached to the third shaft; a third motor attached to the first end of the third shaft and configured to rotate the third shaft about the longitudinal axis, the third shaft and the third motor having a longitudinal bore therethrough; a third conveyor attached to the third sprocket; a fourth shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein a portion of the fourth shaft is positioned in the longitudinal bore; a fourth sprocket attached to the fourth shaft; a fourth motor attached to the first end of the second shaft and configured to rotate the fourth shaft about the longitudinal axis; and a fourth conveyor attached to the fourth sprocket.
 2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein a portion of the first conveyor is aligned side-by-side with a portion of the second conveyor in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first conveyor and second conveyor is configured as an endless belt.
 4. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a first housing wall to which the first motor is attached.
 5. The assembly of claim 4 further comprising: a second housing wall; and a bearing connected to the second end of the second shaft and to the second housing wall.
 6. The assembly of claim 1 wherein there is no physical contact between the second shaft and the first shaft.
 7. The assembly of claim 1 wherein there is no physical contact between the second shaft and the first motor.
 8. An agricultural apparatus comprising: a tank configured to contain a supply of particulate material; a boom extending outwardly from the tank and configured to distribute the particulate material, the boom comprising a plurality of boom portions along a longitudinal extent thereof; a conveyor associated with each of the plurality of boom portions; and a motor associated with each conveyor, the motor being configured to independently control a distribution rate of the particulate material on its respective conveyor and through its respective boom portion.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: a first shaft having a first end and a second end; a first sprocket attached to the first shaft; wherein the motor is a first motor attached to the first end of the first shaft and configured to rotate the first shaft about a longitudinal axis aligned with the longitudinal extent, the first shaft and the first motor having a longitudinal bore therethrough; wherein the conveyor is a first conveyor attached to the first sprocket; a second shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein a portion of the second shaft is positioned in the longitudinal bore; a second sprocket attached to the second shaft; a second motor attached to the first end of the second shaft and configured to rotate the second shaft about the longitudinal axis; and a second conveyor attached to the second sprocket.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein a portion of the first conveyor is aligned side-by-side with a portion of the second conveyor in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a first housing wall to which the first motor is attached.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising: a second housing wall; and a bearing connected to the second end of the second shaft and to the second housing wall.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising: a third shaft having a first end and a second end; a third sprocket attached to the third shaft; a third motor attached to the first end of the third shaft and configured to rotate the third shaft about the longitudinal axis, the third shaft and the third motor having a second longitudinal bore therethrough; a third conveyor attached to the third sprocket; a fourth shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein a portion of the fourth shaft is positioned in the second longitudinal bore; a fourth sprocket attached to the fourth shaft; a fourth motor attached to the first end of the second shaft and configured to rotate the fourth shaft about the longitudinal axis; and a fourth conveyor attached to the fourth sprocket. 